Program Provider: School for Field Studies (SFS)

Program Site: The Center for Coastal Studies, located in Puerto San Carlos on the west coast of the Baja peninsula.

Duration: Fall or Spring. Fall semesters runs from mid September to mid December. Spring semester runs from late January/early February to early May.

Description: The School for Field Studies is a leader in field-based international education. Its mission is to deepen students' understanding of the relationships between environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development. The Mexico program offers about 25 American students per semester the opportunity to address issues related to conserving marine mammals and coastal ecosystems.
 
The Center for Coastal Studies is located near the Bahía Magdalena, which stretches for 124 miles along the coast and features offshore islands, barrier sand dunes, and dense mangrove islands. This area is one of the largest remaining and relatively intact coastal wetland/lagoon systems along the Pacific coast of the Americas, and one of the world's most important habitats for California gray whales and several species of endangered sea turtles. Students study environmental issues using a case study approach, field work and a directed research project.   

Academics: In addition to researching the management of critically important fisheries and water quality issues, fall students explore conservation strategies to protect several marine turtle populations reduced to near-extinction. Spring semester students have the chance to focus on applied ecology of the gray whales and socioeconomic analysis of whale-watching activities. Students take four courses during the semester: Coastal Ecology; Principles of Research Management; Economic and Ethical Issues in Sustainable Development; and Directed Research.
   
Course load and Credit: Students take four courses and earn a maximum of 16 USC units.

Accommodations: Students share four-person cabins.

Activities and Other Program Features: In addition to working with local clients and interviewing community leaders, SFS students are involved in community volunteer projects and social activities such as:

• Participation in the Puerto San Carlos Gray Whale and Sea Turtle Festivals.
• Teaching English classes for local school children. 
• Participation in folkloric dance classes, Mexican holiday celebrations, short home stays, and hosting community events at the field station.
• Local sports, community meetings, conservation activities, and environmental education programs for local school children.

Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA, 18 years of age and at least one semester of college-level biology or ecology.

Estimated Semester Cost:
Tuition..............................................$13,650
Additional Expenses*............................$7,586
Total.................................................$21,236

Cost Updated: 3/31/09
Text Updated: 8/19/08


*Additional expenses include estimated costs for airfare, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses (which can vary greatly from student to student). USC financial aid, scholarships, and tuition remission may be applied to program costs. Please visit the Office of Overseas Studies for more detailed cost information.

Links:
School for Field Studies
Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles
Mexican Tourist Information
Magdalena Bay Resource Management Information
Baja California Information
Lonely Planet Mexico